Fredrick ‘Fred’ Ewalt

June 16, 1950-Sept. 28, 2013

October 1, 2013

Fredrick Samuel Ewalt, 63, Lignite, formerly of Fargo and Portal, passed away on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2013, in his home surrounded by his loved ones following a battle with cancer.

Fred was born on June 16, 1950, son of James and Elsa (Entzel) Ewalt, in Glendive, Mont. He was raised and educated in Glendive.

On Oct. 18, 1967, at the age of 17, Fred enlisted in the Marine Corps. He served his country during the Vietnam War, receiving the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Letter of Commendation, Vietnamese Service Medal with one star, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal w/device. He was honorably discharged on Nov. 11, 1971.

On Aug. 7, 1971, Fred was united in marriage with Herminia "Minnie" Flores in Yuma, Ariz. They had three children, Clinton, Jaclyn and Samantha. They made their home in Yuma, where Fred was employed by the Department of Defense at the MCAS Fire Department. In 1983, he left MCAS as a captain to begin a career with the Department of Justice with the U.S. Border Patrol. Fred served with the Border Patrol in Chula Vista, Calif., as a member of the Bandit Detail and The Horse Patrol.

In 1987, he transferred to Portal. In 1997 he transferred to Spokane, Wash., where he would retire as the Patrol Agent in Charge, at the age of 50; from that day forward he lived life as "Every day is Saturday."

In 2000, the family moved to Fargo, where Fred worked at Muscatell and later on at Nardini Fire Equipment. In 2012, they moved to Lignite to be closer to their children and grandchildren.

Fred loved life and had a big heart. After living in several different states he made so many friendships. He loved the outdoors. He enjoyed being able to teach his grandchildren how to fish and hunt and enjoyed taking them out on the boat. He loved to go fishing on the Salmon River in Idaho whenever he could and loved to camp.